Jigyan Kumar Thapa, Nepal’s proposed ambassador to Japan, has withdrawn his nomination following questions over a potential conflict of interest.
At a meeting of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee on Monday, committee chairman Bodh Narayan Shrestha informed members that Thapa had decided to withdraw his name.
According to Shrestha, Thapa conveyed his decision to the committee in response to concerns raised about a possible conflict of interest. The chairman said Thapa had a strong personal and professional profile but had decided to step aside because of the questions surrounding his ties to Japan.
Shrestha told the committee that Thapa had said there was no legal barrier to his appointment as ambassador, but that he had chosen to withdraw because of personal considerations. Committee members had questioned his suitability for the post because his family holds permanent residency in Japan.
Committee member Kabindra Burlakoti also confirmed that Thapa had sent a formal letter informing the panel of his decision.
Earlier, senior leaders of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party had reached an understanding that Thapa would not be appointed ambassador to Japan. Sources familiar with the discussions said the issue had been raised during a meeting between party chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah. They had agreed that Thapa could be appointed ambassador to another country, but not Japan.
The party and government leadership had concluded that his appointment to Japan could give rise to a conflict of interest because his family holds permanent residency there, owns movable and immovable assets and has financial dealings, including loans. Concerns were also raised over Thapa’s use of services and benefits provided by the Japanese government and his employment in government agencies there.
Jaya Singh Mahara is a reporter with a decade of experience covering parliamentary affairs and political developments.
